What is a Youth Pastor ?

A youth pastor is a pastor in charge of the youth ministry. He has the mandate to ensure the spiritual growth of the youth in the church, their leaders, and also youth teachers. These pastors spend a lot of time with the youthful members of the church so that they are lured to stay in the church. In order to succeed in this mandate, they should relate well with the youth. Additionally, a youth pastor is a representative of the youth interests. In most cases, a youth pastor possesses a college degree but not necessarily a degree in theology.

The young people in the church need to be shepherded lest they lose the way. It is important that a youth pastor is vibrant enough to influence the young people to be active church members. This prevents the young people and teens from engaging in unlawful activity such as drug abuse, pre-marital sex, and other immoral behaviors that would eventually make them social misfits. Evidently, the more a young person is engaged in church activity, the less they are likely to get astray. In other words, shepherding the youth is an effective way of controlling their behavior.

What Are the Roles of A Youth Pastor ?

More so, a youth pastor is responsible for organizing youth meetings and scheduling Bible studies. This is also a way of keeping the youth and ensuring that they are active. These avenues also give an opportunity for a youth pastor to keep a watchful eye on the young people and teens as he gets to interact with them in a personal way. In addition, a youth pastor is in charge of organizing group parties, mission trips, and outings.

This way, a youth pastor appeals to the youthful population of the church by organizing events that young people like.

The most important role of a youth pastor is to enhance the spiritual nourishment of the youthful populations. A youth pastor offers Bible teaching programs at church or even through informal meetings to ensure the youth know the proceeds of the Bible. The Bible teachings act as a moral guide for the youth in the church.

Young people undergo a lot of crises that sometimes might cause tension, anxiety, and confusion among them. As such, they need a listening ear. A youth pastor has no option but to act as a confidant or counselor for this group of people. It is crucial that a youth pastor is sensitive to the counseling needs of the youth as he is believed to represent the voice of God. On the other hand, the youth trust that their youth pastors maintain confidentially regarding their troubles. Therefore, a youth pastor must have the highest form of integrity and honesty to encourage the youth to confide in them.

A youth pastor is expected to exemplify solid knowledge of the teachings of the Bible at all times. More so, he should be aware of church teachings and procedures so their actions are in full conformity with what the church expects. In other words, a youth pastor ought to possess the same values that the church advocates so that they can act as a reference point for the youth. The youth population in the church usually looks up to the youth leaders. Hence, a youth pastor needs to act in a manner that their actions are not misinterpreted by the teens and young people. Any sort of negative actions can have an adverse implication on this segment in the church.For example, a youth pastor cohabiting with his girlfriend sends the message that premarital sex is permissible in the church. Therefore, a youth pastor needs to be devoid such negative actions whose adverse implications are far-reaching.

What Qualifications are Required To Become A Youth Pastor ?

One has to possess an array of qualifications before they can decide to become a youth pastor.

1. One must be a Christian who submits the authority of the scriptures and also the Holy Spirit, in his ministry and lifestyle as stipulated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7,
2. A youth pastor has to be in agreement with the policies of the church and abide by the vision, mission, and by-laws of the church.

III. A youth pastor needs to exhibit the ability to relate to the youth, show them genuine love, and easily integrates into this population segment.

1. Youth pastors need to interact and communicate freely with parents of the youth that are being shepherded.
2. A youth pastor has to exhibit a wide knowledge of the Bible and also understanding
3. Must possess the ability to share the teachings of the scriptures with others

VII. A youth pastor should have the ability to obey the authority of the church and seek relevant guidance without fear.

A youth pastor is perhaps one of the most overworked pastors yet one of the most unappreciated ministries in terms of salary. In many instances, a youth pastor works for free. For small congregations, a youth pastor draws a salary that is not even enough to support his himself, leave alone his family. This means that a majority of youth pastors join the ministry because of financial rewards, but for the gospel sake. However, youth pastors serving a sizeable congregation get a reasonable salary.

How Much Does A Youth Pastor Make ?

In most churches around the globe, a youth pastor gets a salary of between $21,507 and $55,000. This salary range depends on the size of the congregation, with the largest congregation offering better salaries than smaller congregations. Drawing from the huge responsibilities a youth pastor undertakes, the salary offered is indeed an underpayment.

Clearly, a youth pastor is a pivotal pillar in the church and most especially the youth ministry. The role of a youth pastor is to ensure that the younger generation in the church stays in check and abide by the morality stipulated in the scriptures and the church policies. The church expects a youth pastor to mentor and counsel the youth positively.  Furthermore, a youth pastor is a role model and ensures strong relationships among church members including the youth teachers, youth leaders, as well as their parent.Hence, a youth pastor has a lifetime impact on the lives of the young people in the church.